James Robert Shapter, age 80, went to Heaven at 12:40 p.m. on January 26, 2026, at home with his loved ones.  He was born April 22, 1945, in Cleveland, OH to Alan Richard “Jimmy” and Barbara Jane Hamilton-Shapter.  

He is survived by his mother, who lived with him, his wife Betty Moore-Cognion Shapter, his son John (LeAnn) Shapter, his grandson Ryan James Shapter, stepdaughter Susan Beth Cognion of Chesapeake, VA., brothers-in-law Roger A. Moore of Sun City, AZ., David J. (Angela) Moore of Beachgrove, TN., and sister-in-law Janet L. Spencer of Clarksville, TN.

Jim attended nine different schools before he came to Shawnee High School and graduated in 1963.  While in school, he broke the Shawnee running record in 1962-1963 and was the Champion, running in the Western Buckeye League in 1961-1962-1963.  After high school, he attended numerous colleges and training institutions, including Ohio Northern University and Ohio University, as he prepared for his future careers.

His first job required him to wear black pants, a white shirt, and a tie as a grocery bagger for .87 cents per hour!!!  His employers have included BLH, Brinks, X-Cello, Davidson Enamel, and as an EMTA and fireman for Elida Firefighters before starting at Lima Corrections in Lima in June of 1971.  He was a Lieutenant for many years and a Captain for 12 years, prior to his retirement in 2003.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, his wife Carol Ann Crail-Shapter, to whom he was married for 53 years, and his sister, Diana Shapter-Taylor.  

Jim was an avid camper, having traveled to 49 states, and was a member of the Bluelick Bible Church, where donations may be made in his memory.

Services will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at noon at Bluelick Bible Church, 1138 W. Bluelick Road, Lima, OH  45801 with pastors Jason Knight and James Neighbors to officiate. Visitation will take place on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Bluffton.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/